LeSean McCoy: Michael Vick is way better than Geno Smith, will be Jets starting QB
The New York Jets have a brewing quarterback controversy on their hands after signing Michael Vick earlier this offseason to compete with last year’s second round pick, Geno Smith, but Vick’s former teammate with the Philadelphia Eagles, LeSean McCoy, believes Vick is “way better” and will win the job, according to Bart Hubbuch.
It was this time a year ago that Smith was being talked about as a first round pick, possibly the first overall pick, but after dropping to the 39th overall pick, Smith continued that slide with sloppy play in his rookie season. Smith completed 55.8 percent of his passes, threw 12 touchdowns compared to 21 interceptions and had a 66.5 quarterback rating while being sacked 43 times.
Vick, 33, has battled injuries throughout his career and has only started 16 games the past two seasons, but when he’s been healthy, he’s been effective.
Vick can still provide the dual-threat ability that made him such a difficult player to defend against early in his career and averaged 8.5 yards per carry last year. As a passer, Vick still has one of the strongest arm in the NFL and McCoy thinks Nick Foles never would have had his breakout season last year if not for Vick being injured.
Vick has seen his completion percentage drop in three consecutive seasons since his renaissance year in 2010, but his quarterback rating over that time was much higher than what Smith posted as a rookie, including an 86.5 mark last year. In fact, Vick hasn’t had a quarterback rating as low as what Smith had as a rookie since Vick was a rookie himself.
Smith may have the upside, but Vick provides Rex Ryan a trusted veteran who won’t turn the ball over as often as Smith. This is a battle that is sure to go deep into the preseason, but McCoy has cast his vote for Vick.
Who do you think ultimately is starting quarterback in the Jets openeer?